Cruise a holic

We first went to Alaska twenty years ago in August. The weather was very warm- not what we expected. Except by the Glaciers. Forward fast, the Glaciers are melting so not so much calving . So sad I think everyone should see Alaska at least once- before the ice melts!

Oh yes! LOL

IMO RC wins hands down. We found Princess to be plain vanilla- We were not impressed at all by the food choices, including the specialty restaurants, the service , entertainment and overall ship. The Crown and Caribbean princess were very crowded also- no longer for us. We stick to Royal Oasis class and Celebrity S and E class ships.

We have done and enjoyed side by side's out of fort lauderdale. First leg was a celebrity one week Silhouette cruise, followed by a Royal Caribbean Harmony cruise. We loved it- the best of both worlds- have also enjoyed b/2/b's and those are great because you aren't packing when most people are- and getting on and off of the ship so easy. Enjoy

We love cococay- So much better then labadee IMO. No comparison.

You can make a plate and bring it from the suite lounge to your suite. No restrictions on carrying food out. In the morning, we bring fruit to our suite, salmon on a bagel. Plenty of choice- more then enough for a quick delicious breakfast- Coffee, tea and other drinks are also available. Trust me- you get more then enough calories! LOL

I highly recommend the Beach club if it is available. The location is great- mostly adults only. It is like being at a suite deck- complete with a gourmet restaurant, wonderful comfortable lounges, dinner/lunch served- pampering staff- IMO the best beach day excursion of the cruise and worth the price.

July a very popular time for a cruise! Good luck.

Sometimes they aren't listed until closer to the cruise. Enjoy. So worth it. IMO

Honestly, unless you are getting the Chef's table for free, it was a real disappointment on the Oasis last August. Food quality poor and the location was in the solarium dining room, an area carved out. Noisy and not what we expected. Thought we were on Impractical Jokers.

Never appreciated AQ "perks" Blu not great. IMO- Book a balcony cabin, well located midship with cabins above and below, and dine a few dinners in specialty restaurants. A much more cost effective vacation. Sometimes you can get a CC stateroom for just a little more and get the extra cruise points.

Good day to try a specialty restaurant.

Definately Coco Cay. Our last stop a labedee had so many flies it was horrible. Went back on the ship.

A small amount of tips is set aside for the cabin attendants and butlers We always tip additional for great service- varies but typically $20 per day. You need to determine how the service from your butler is.

My cruise is in 28 days. Keep trying to log on to the Royal up site but get message must be 30 days in advance! The site isn't letting me bid. I do not have any blocks on my RC site or used a non-participating TA. While I am truly happy with my suite, we enjoy bidding up if the price is right- So maybe a full cruise doesn' t offer move up. I am used the correct reservation name and number.

Thanks also contacted my TA

I will send a text to my TA. Never happened before- but who knows with this TA. Thanks

Just a small area carved out of the Solarium dining room. Still noisy and people nearby having the buffet. We were very disappointed with the food and ambiance. So much better in 150 central park and cheaper!

Why would I not be eligible to bid? Not with a big box store? Did use a TA. Is it possible that since I am in a suite, no star class suites are available?

My cruise is in 31 days but when I try to go to move up- it states 30 days. However my cruise is booked and I doubt I will get any upgrade.

The TA I used belonged to the Amex Platinum . However she no longer does so we aren't getting benefits on our next cruise booked with her. I booked another cruise directly with Amex Platinum and will be eligible for the promotions.

No. You do yourself. However if you book via a non participating TA- like the "big Box" store, you aren't eligible for any move up. The down side of dealing with them. However, some people like the credits they get from the big box stores. a choice.

You can get "free" sparkling at the art auctions and sometimes jewelry store events- typically not the first day.

While both older ships, no comparison - Royal is the way to go.

We would never bring heavy water or soda cans. Rather do without or set aside a budget for those items. The water on the cruise is safe to drink. My back and DH back aren't worth the savings.